Council unanimously approved implementation of a new type of ticket in the city — the administrative citation.

The ticket, which can be handed out by park rangers, and other non-police personnel, will serve as a catch-all fine for anyone caught making minor violations of city code along the Clear Creek corridor. Examples include possession of alcohol, smoking, parking violations, or having a dog off-leash.

Golden has already begun the hiring process, looking for seasonal park rangers to patrol the creek during the busy summer season, and hand out the citations as needed. The more serious offenses would still trigger police intervention. For instance, an opened alcoholic beverage would still spark a criminal open container ticket.

Marijuana moratorium

By a unanimous vote, the council approved a moratorium resolution, which will freeze any attempt at “Licensing, permitting, establishment or operation of any recreational marijuana business,” until at least Oct. 1.

The moratorium is designed to give the city’s police department and legal representatives’ time to draft the city’s marijuana policy, after studying the state’s recommendations.

According to a city attorney, Golden’s municipal court has already started dismissing cases for anyone over 21, found in possession of small amounts of the drug.

The next Golden City Council meeting will be 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21, in Golden City Hall, 911 10th St.